A monthly publication of St. Luke s United Methodist Church - Kilgore, Texas AUGUST 2017 ISSUE 8

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1 The VISITOR A monthly publication of St. Luke s United Methodist Church - Kilgore, Texas LOVE GOD LIVE HIS WORD SHARE HIS GRACE AUGUST 2017 ISSUE 8 From The Pastor s Desk It is amazing just how quickly time flies. It feels like my family and I relocated to Kilgore yesterday. I feel like we just finished unpacking boxes and getting almost everything in its new spot. But then I look at a calendar and realize that my family and I have been here for a month. I know that is not a long time, but it still amazes me just how quickly the time has flown by. Much of the ease of this move has been because of you. The congregation at St. Luke s has been so warm and welcoming. You have taken in my family and worked with us to make this move easy. You have opened your arms and given us some stability in a very tumultuous time. This will not be forgotten and I am indebted to every person here for this. While it has been longer than it seems, I am still working to find out all of the amazing things that we do as a church. I am amazed every day as I find more and more ways that St. Luke s is integrated into the community. Many times, I feel like I am drinking from a fire hose but it is very exciting. One offer I would like to ensure that each person at the church knows is that my door is always open. I love being able to hear stories from members, hearing hopes for the future and finding new ideas for the church. If you would like to be able to visit with me, if you feel like there is something that I should know, or if you would just like to visit and get to know me feel free to let me know. I am excited and look forward to our time together. Rev. Ben Bagley NEW MEMBERS Sabrina Bagley, wife of our pastor, Ben Bagley, transferred her membership from Pollard UMC to St. Luke s on July 9, 2017, in the Contemporary Service. Their boys-- William, Wesley, and Wyatt were added to our baptized roll. Our church is blessed to have them. PURSUANT TO SECTION 30.07, PENAL CODE (TRESPASS BY LICENSE HOLDER WITH AN OPENLY CARRIED HANDGUN), A PERSON LICENSED UNDER SUBCHAPTER H. CHAPTER 411, GOVERNMENT CODE (HANDGUN LICENSING LAW), MAY NOT ENTER THIS PROPERTY WITH A HANDGUN THAT IS CARRIED OPENLY.

2 2 THANK YOU Dear St. Luke s United Methodist Church, Thank you for selecting me to receive this scholarship. This will help with expenses towards Kilgore College. I really appreciated the senior lunch and the beautiful handmade blanket. Sincerely from Ally Venable Friends at St. Luke s, Thank you for your recent donation to Newgate Mission! Together, we can serve God s people. We invite you to visit the mission and see the work that is being done and see that your financial support helps us provide so much on a daily basis. May God richly bless you as you have blessed others! -Newgate Mission Thank you so much for the graduation gift! I am so excited to see what life after high school has in store for me! This fall, I will be attending the Scarborough College in Ft. Worth to pursue God s call on my life to ministry. I will be taking classes to become a missionary so that I will be equipped to share the gospel in other nations. Thank you so much for your gift. -Abby Horst Rahab s Retreat & Ranch thanks you for your recent donation. We currently have 21 residents living at our facility. Rahab s Retreat is a facility for women coming out of the sex trafficking industry, those escaping abusive situations, or women working through emotional trauma and addictions. Through immersion in the word of God, scripture memorization, Bible classes and mentoring. Our girls are learning WHO they are in Christ Jesus. Leaving old friends, relationships, and habits behind, they are deepening their relationship with Jesus. They are truly growing in Christ! We are expecting to add more residents in late July. Your contributions have made this possible. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Make an appointment to come tour our beautiful facility. Again, thank you very much for your donation! -Trevor Wilcox Executive Assistant & Board of Directors Evangelism Moments.... LEANING ON GOD - Read Psalm 28:6-9 The psalmist wrote, The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. - Psalm 28:7 (NIV) The letter from my friend overseas was painful to read. Her husband deserted her. They had been married a long time and had teenage children. I reread the letter several times and decided I must answer it at once. But what could I say? I asked God to give me the words to write back to her. So I wrote what came to mind and sent the letter. Later, I found it difficult to remember what I had written. My friend wrote back and told me she had been standing in her kitchen crying the day my letter arrived. She would occasionally look up at the gray wintery sky that seemed to match her mood. As she washed the breakfast dishes she sensed an inner voice gently saying, Just lean back on me. I will support you. I am your strength. When she found my letter in her mailbox, she opened it and was amazed to read the words I had offered her: God is with you. Just lean back on him. He will support you. He is your strength. Truly God had given me the words to comfort and encourage my grieving friend. Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you for being our constant companion and strength. Help us to bring all our anxiety to you so that we may find peace. - Amen From The Upper Room By Dorothy O Neill, Australia Evangelism Team T-Shirt Update After paying the T-Shirt bill, we have $ to donate to Rahab s Retreat & Ranch. We still have 22 shirts in inventory. When these are all sold, we will have a total of $ to donate to Rahab s. If you would like to purchase a shirt, contact Barbara Francisco at (903) or you can find the Evangelism Team at church-- Mikki Ellis, Richelle Rathbun, George and Sue Jones or Barbara Francisco. Inventory List 1-3X LG ($25.00) 1-2X LG ($25.00) 5 - Small ($20.00) 7 - Large ($20.00) 8 - X-LG ($20.00)

3 CHURCH FAMILY CONCERNS Cynthia Adams Jean Aills (Arabella Memory) Margarette Allison (Briar Cliff, Tyler) Charlotte Austin, (Hospice Denton, Tx ) Jerry Boone (Arbor Grace #10) Jack Christopher Barbara Cotten Chris/Susan Crawford Bill/Dot Denham Jan Duncan Daniel Ellis Laura Farnham Tommy Freeman Jim/Sarah Galaway Jacque/Todd Gibbs Gary Gray Sam Holley Billie Hale Arabella #200) Jo Hancock Curtis/Sigrid Harvey Millard Harkrider Sally Holder Steven Jackson Ronnie Jobe Mary Jordan Yvonne Kennedy Richard/Kathy Kimball Nell King Dwaine Kirksey Doris Leak Jerry Medford Pat Morchat Marie Murray Nina Fern Nichols (Arbor Grace #19) Guy (#309)--Billie (#404) Oliphint (Arabella) Vivian Patton (Arabella, Kilgore) Rita Peters (Arabella, Lvw.) Charlene Phillips Wanda Renshaw Linda/Bill Ridder Pat Sage Fred/JoAnn Samford Jo Stiles Marilyn Summers Bonnie Sistrunk Samuel Thurston Wendell/Glennys Travis Edith Williams Wilbur/Kay Yates Prayers for Loved Ones: People will remain on this list about a month. Please let us know if they need to be on longer Amber Acoin...niece of Gary & Beverly Gray Kathy Adams...friend of many Lorna Alaniz..friends of Jeff/Lori Beck & William/Amber Watkins Genny Alfia (aunt) & Tracey Powell (sister)..of Richelle Rathbun Stephanie Allen...cousin of Debra Maloch Bob Barbee...friend of Mickey Smith Family, Ann White Mac Blackstone...father of Donna Shupe & friend of many Macy & Blake Bowne...granddaughter & grandson of Peggy Bowne Keith Allen Brown...great nephew of Anna Rohde Rosemary Bocanegra & Martha Emili & Mary Herrera...friend,...aunt, & great aunt of Carolina Bryant Jimmy Brown... friend of David Wilson Daniel Call...son of Tom & Theta Call Bart Covin...step-brother of Ronda Dickey...& friend of Mack/Toby Monday Carolyn Duren...Mother of Allison Thompson... (friend of SyRena Witt) Jeff Dykes...friend of many Joe Dyson...nephew of Dorothy Geese Margie Edwards...friend of Suzanne Gibson Millis Finnegan...sister of Mikki Ellis Edna Frazier... mother of Milton Frazier Reg Garner...father of Chet Garner Meagan Gibbs...niece of Bill Bryant Jennifer Gilcrest, Deanna Douglas, Jennifer Jencks, Camryn Noll, Luvia Rios...friends of Carolina Bryant Wanda & Bill Haney...brother & sister-in-law of Ludie Courtney Reggie Hawkins...dear friend of the Whitworths & the Cottens Dennis Huckabee...family friend of Loretta Ross Gene Hutchison...uncle of Misty Shipman Kim Hurlburt...ex-member & friend of Thompsons & others Bruce Huther & Rod Allen... brothers-in-law of con t next column...sharon & Jim McCann Rob Ites... brother of Mark Hatfield Jan Jaynes...daughter of Doris Leak Loa Johnson...mother of Denise Reinert Joshua Kennedy... co-worker of Garry Mount Dave Kelly...step-father of Misty Tuck Nancy King...friend of Sara Lugeanbeal Henry Lyne...brother of Martha Eschenfelder Keith Mattern...friend of Bill Bryant John McCloskey... father of Bruce Tindel Melissa McDonald...niece of Sally/Randy Holder Betty McKay... friend of Suzie Gibson & many others Larry & Elonore Miller... friends of Curtis & Sigrid Harvey Teresa Miller...neighbor of Sally Holder Janice /James Mills... grandparents of Madison Tapler Marta Morales... friend of Carolina Bryant Robert Morchat, Kingston, Canada...brother of Art Morchat David Penn...friend of Tonya DeKoker Ron & Carol Procell...family Phillip & Tina Procell Roy Simmons...brother of Carol Grimes Orea Smith...uncle of SyRena Witt Dana Ransom...friend of Larry Phillips & others Christin Reeves (cancer)...sister-in-law of David Reeves Pam Richburg... friend of Sheryl Caraway Cherie Salmons... niece of Jan Duncan Alejandra Serrano...2nd cousin of Carolina Bryant Sharon Schoenemann...sister of Jan Hattaway Josh Shirey... cousin of Ludie Courtney Robert Shugart... father of Misty Shipman Cristen Sistrunk/Dorothy Williams.daughter-in-law/sister...to Bonnie Sistrunk Kathy & Ronnie Todd...sister & brother-in-law of Loretta Ross Russell Turner...friend of Sara Lugeanbeal Robert Stiles... son of Jo Stiles Billy Vernon...friend of many Watkins family in loss of daughter/sister...the Shipman family Melvin & Sue West... brother-in-law & sister of Bill Bryant Peyton & Langston White great-grandsons...of Curtis & Sigrid Harvey Harold Wiese... father of Emily Mason Carter Wilbanks yr. old friend of Richelle Rathbun Katy Williams... friend of Andrea McGilvray Billy & Linda Williamson... grandparents of Logan Gilbreath Oren Wright...close friend of Will & Loretta Ross SUNDAY ALTAR FLOWERS Sunday Service Altar Flowers in honor of, in memory of, or in celebration of a special person may be scheduled/provided by calling Kalynn Harrison, or The flowers serve a dual purpose: adorn our altar in honor of someone special AND are then broken into small bouquets and taken to our members in nursing homes or homebound, sharing love with them. Call Kalynn! Love God, Live His Word, Share His Grace 3

4 4 AUGUST 2017 BIRTHDAYS Praying for our St. Luke s Family. Please say a prayer for our church family on their special birthday. If we missed your date, please call the church office ( ) August 1 Nathan Ortiz August 2 Louise Cammack Ashley Hamilton August 3 Abby Horst Beth White August 4 Bob Burns Billie Hale Kassanddra Morales August 5 Hunter Dean Jordan Gabriel August 6 Mark Barton Chris Burkett August 7 Jacob Whitworth August 8 Nick Lamb Kim Raby Heidi Tryon August 9 Sybil Adams Jimmy Arbuckle Nic Holley Hunter Tannehill Becci Thurston August 10 Allison Daniel Billye Hurlburt Harper Nix August 11 Kirstin Wheat Karen Wilson August 12 Sydney Chowdhury Brooks Drennan Matthew Ellis Kim Hurlburt Jana Pruett Laela Watkins August 13 Denver Allen Sierra Byrd Matt Hardin Abby Hattaway Thomas Hattaway Ronnie Jobe Daniel Shipman August 14 Herb Cotten Rachel Gilbreath Sandra Holley August 15 Lindsey Bennett Mark Francisco August 16 Sigrid Harvey Ava Loyd Jerry Medford August 17 Niki Chowdhury Jacob Hankins Curtis Horst Alyssa Lewis August 19 Austin Clark August 20 Samuel Thurston August 21 Madison Adams Jane Stone August 22 Maelyn Cole Darwood Galaway Garrett Shipman August 23 Randy King Gus Witt August 24 Joe Jones Jason Silvey Tony Witt August 25 Trina Hamill August 26 Bridges Gibbs Cody Hatfield August 27 Margarette Allison August 28 Donna Jackson August 29 August 30 Brenda Culpepper Debbi Goertz Jan Hattaway Doris Speer August 31 Crystal Lamb AUGUST 2017 WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Names Date Years Mark & Billie Barton 8/11/ Bob & Judy Burns 8/9/ Herb & Barbara Cotten 8/11/ Jack & Rhonda Dickey 8/14/ James & Emily Hanshaw 8/26/ Danny & Kalynn Harrison 8/9/ Jerry & Peggy Medford 8/7/ Larry & Charlene Phillips 8/18/ Pat & Ernie Sers 8/11/ Wendell & Glennys Travis 8/29/ James & Laura Vermillion 8/26/ Joe & Ann White 8/24/ GAME NIGHT - FUN, FUN, FUN A wonderful fellowship opportunity! Saturday, AUGUST 19, 6:00-8:00pm, gym. Call Barbara Francisco for more information, REMEMBER OUR MILITARY *Spec. Drew Bryant US Navy - nephew of Bill & Carolina Bryant *Derek Chamness (Loretta Ross s adopted son ) *Captain Chris Conte, Army - Sandra Holley s grandson *Staff Sgt. Joel Crenshaw, son of Mike Crenshaw, step-son of Ronnie Jobe, brother of Shanna Burgess *Shawn Decker, National Guard, Kilgore *Airman Daniel Ellis, Air Force - son of Dennis & Mikki Ellis *2nd Lt Jack France, Air Force nephew of Jan Hattaway *Capt. Stanton Gardenhire, son of Terry & Christine Gardenhire *Cameron Chase Grimes, Army - Grandson of Carol Grimes *PO1 Brian Holcombe Spec. US Navy Wendell & Carolyn Holcombe s son *Lt. Col. Chad McAdams,nephew of Loretta Ross *Kenny Montross - USAF, Bubba McKinley - USMC great nephews of Kay McKinley *Jake Pierce, Navy - son of Debra Sanders & J.B. Pierce * Chief Robbie Reinert, US Navy - son of Ray/Denise Reinert *Ryan Reinert, Army-Private 1st Class - son of Ray & Denise Reinert, Courtney (wife), Emma (daughter) *MSgt. Shane Shugart, brother of Misty Shipman *Jacob Whitworth, Army - son of Anthony & Lori Whitworth, Grandparents are Herb/Barbara Cotten Holy Huddlers Good Christian Fellowship - While We Eat 6:00 p.m. - Upcoming Meeting Dates & Locations Aug. 11: Jucy Taco, Judson Loop-Lvw. Aug. 25: Jalapeno Tree, Kilgore Sept. 8: Las Tejanitas, Kilgore Sept.22: Butcher Shop, Longview Oct. 6: Cotton Patch, Longview Oct. 20: Bodacious BBQ Nov. 3: Charburger, Kilgore Nov. 17: Dairy Queen, White Oak Dec. 1: Val s, Kilgore Dec. 5: Jucy s Burgers, Eastman Hollybrook, Longview Come one. Come all. The meal is on you, but the fellowship is shared by all!! -Mikki Ellis ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Lost and Found A pink make-up bag was turned into the office. So, if you lost one, check in Mary Lamb s office. There is also a belt, some keys, flip phone, ear rings etc. If you lose something, remember to check it out.

5 5 STEWARDSHIP Do we Misuse/Misunderstand the Term? Then Jesus spoke to his disciples. He said, Whoever wants to be my disciple must say no to themselves. They must pick up their cross and follow me. Whoever wants to save their life will lose it. But whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good is it if someone gains the whole world but loses their soul? Or what can anyone trade for their soul? Matthew 16:24-26, NIRV How often do we cringe when we hear the word stewardship? Do we grab for our wallet or purse? To open it or get a tighter grip: If we do, that is misunderstanding stewardship. As Christians, we MUST RECLAIM the biblical understanding of this important word that calls us to serve. First and foremost, Stewardship foundationally understanding that we are not owners of things, but managers. And in truth, stewardship is very simple! Three Major Points 1. God owns all. 2. We ALL are STEWARDS. 3. We have a responsibility to manage all of it for His glory. Defining and making a commitment to be a Steward of all God has given us opens doors for bold possibilities, in our personal lives and in the life of our church. Recently, Chris Crawford led a large class of our church family in the Dave Ramsey approach to Financial Peace. In that class, we learned that managing our life choices leads to better management of our money, which leads to a peace that comes from being responsible in our management of ALL that God has given us. That is Stewardship! I encourage you to read 2 Corinthians, Chapters 8 thru 9. Paul is rejoicing with thanks for those who willing gave generously to help the churches of Macedonia during a severe situation..... continued next column St. Luke s, too, has a situation that requires our response: Our 2017 total operating budget is $576,005.28, (copies available in the church office) A budget makes it possible for us to be actively involved in Ministries (Worship, Evangelism, Community Outreach, Christian Education for all ages, Missions, Music, Staff Support, Pay Utilities, Maintenance of our Facilities, Office Expenses, Youth and Children Programs, Nursery Care, and Much more). As of the end of June (half of our year) the funds to support this budget total $208, The math indicates that we are $79, short to properly fund our ministry. The bank balance is $120,664.82; however, of that amount $95, is for designated projects not included in the budget. That leaves $24, to work with to pay the bills. I report this to you, ALL MEMBERS, not to discourage, but to encourage you, as Paul thanked those who helped the churches of Macedonia. This world needs God, and Kilgore needs St. Luke s United Methodist Church. WE as a church, YOU as families and individuals - created by God to live in this world He has given us, are entrusted to care for all of it. We are His Stewards. Let us grow in our understanding of Stewardship and commit to manage this gift. We are blessed people of God. Together we can do simple things; we can do great things - for Him and in His name for others. Pat Rudy Financial Secretary My office is always open to y all if you have questions. Tommy Freeman Looking For a Roommate Tommy Freeman is looking for a roommate and offers free room and board in exchange for day to day help. Call his Uncle, Vernon Fritz at

6 6 Have fun while getting kids registered for Children and Junior Choirs and M&M s! Bring a friend! Come for the fun even if you have already registered your children by then! Can t make it to the Carnival? Don t forget to register your kids online at stlukeskilgore.com! We will need Church transportation permission forms by August 30 to make sure the schools will release your child(ren) to us for school pick-up. Thanks! Adult Music Ensembles Resume in August Chancel Choir Resumes Wednesday, August 2, at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary Chancel Choir leads worship music in the 10:30 service each Sunday. Come be a part and see worship from a different perspective! Arise Band Continues Thursday, August 3, at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary The band leads worship music in the Arise service each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Come play and sing for a group keeping a new song going for our Lord! Handbell Choir Resumes Thursday, August 3, at 5:30 p.m. in Myrtle Andrews Room The Handbell Choir rings one Sunday a month and occasionally for special events. It s like being a part of a piano, but only being responsible for two or three keys! Come ring out with us in worship!

7 7 Parents Night Out Friday, August 4, :00pm - 10:00pm $10 per child Call Niki Chowdhury for more information. Vacation Bible School August 7-11, 9:00am-12:00pm Join us in a VBS where kids learn they were created by God and built for a purpose! Register your children up on link on church website. You may also register there to be a volunteer. Blessing of the Teachers August 13, 8:30am & 10:30am services We would love to honor anyone who works at the schools and our Sunday School teachers. We appreciate your dedication to our children. Blessing of the Backpacks/Binders August 20, 8:30am & 10:30am services Bring your backpacks, binders, etc to be blessed during the service M&Ms (Mini-Methodists), Children s Choir, & Wed Dinners Starts back Wednesdays, Sept 6 Online registration coming soon. MOTHER S DAY OUT MDO will resume on August 30th. We still have a few openings in our classes. If you are interested in registering or learning more about how our program can serve you, please feel free to contact Please keep the cans and cartridges coming! In His Service, January 28th-30th Misty Shipman St. Luke s UMC had a wonderful week at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center for church camp. We had 42 youth and adults attend camp this year. A big thank you to Jeff Howell, Lindsey Bennett, Kristi Boone, Johnny Carpenter, and Daniel Shipman for attending camp as counselors. Without these counselors, we would not have been able to take the kids to camp. Mrs. Misty, Thank you and your youth group so much for taking a week out of your summer to come to M25 (Matt. 25)! We are so glad you chose to come to Atlanta to spend the week servng the least of these! We are on week 6 now and I can personally say that I haven t had a better group than Kilgore, Texas, yet! I miss you guys so much and I pray that y all are continuing to do amazing things in your hometown! Praying for y all! Love, ` Brandon & the M24 Staff (This was a thank you after our youth s mission trip to Atlanta, GA.) CHURCH ATTENDANCE SUNDAY SCHOOL WORSHIP July July July July July 30 (not available at publishing time)

8 8 New St. Luke s Minister finds niche for gifts, graces in local congregation St. Luke s United Methodist Church s newest pastor, Ben Bagley, sits at his desk on his second official day on the job. The son of a Methodist pastor who moved every few years as well, he jokes, his hometown is the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, but he now plans to find his place in Kilgore. As an outsider, though, he can see what others take for granted in the community. Ben Bagley already got lost running through the streets of Kilgore, but he plans to get acquainted with the community on his feet. The position at St. Luke s United Methodist Church in Kilgore marks Bagley s first post as a senior pastor, officially beginning the assignment July 2. He moved to Kilgore from Tyler along with his wife, Sabrina, and their three sons William, Wesley and Wyatt. They run circles They keep it interesting to say the least, he said about his children who range from 20 months old to seven years old. They had a lot of fun exploring a new place. Moving with kids is interesting. Bagley was the contemporary pastor and oversaw evangelism and outreach for Pollard United Methodist Church in Tyler before moving to Kilgore. Prior to Tyler, he said, he worked at smaller, country churches while attending school at Stephen F. Austin State University for his undergraduate work and SMU for his master s degree. Tyler was the first place where I was just at a church; I wasn t driving back and forth anywhere, and it was great, he said, noting 2017 marks his ninth year in ministry. I learned a lot. It was wonderful, but it was also nice to get a phone call that I was going to a church and I wasn t going to be an associate anymore. This is a great opportunity. We re excited to be here. There was a culture change, though, even from just 24 miles away. He will not be missing the Tyler traffic, though. Although the move meant they had to leave friends in Tyler, Bagley said, St. Luke s hosted a family game night for the church, allowing the pastor and his family to meet members of the community and his congregation. His middle son also has found a fascination with the downtown derricks, he said. He loves the oil derricks, Bagley said. He s excited. Every time we see one, he goes, You know the stars light up at Christmas. He s excited about that; Christmas can t get here quick enough just so he can see that. To the best of a seven year old s little mind this town is great. They re getting acclimated, which helps. While Bagley and his family get to know their new community, his vision for the church is just to continue moving it forward. I ve heard nothing but good things about this church, which is surprising. Normally, they ll be like, Well these are the great things, and here are a couple of the downsides. I never was able to find a downside, he said. So kind of my vision is just to keep that up. Every time someone approaches him to tell him about a community program, he said, it is always a different effort. There s all sorts of stuff going on, and it s not the bad kind of busy. It s the good kind of busy, he continued. It s not busy for busyness sake. It s actual God s kingdom kind of thing, so just to continue on with that. Find out kind of where I fit in and where my gifts and graces can help lead us to new places. I don t want to make them be who I am. I want to try to fit into what they re already doing. When he is not working or chasing after his children, Bagley said, he can usually be found exercising, and especially running. That s how I ll get to know Kilgore is running through it, the endurance triathlete said. I did a nice little four-mile loop and got lost this morning. Didn t realize some of the roads went where some of the roads went I came down Houston and I knew where Main went, and I thought Houston went parallel. No, it does something completely different. Bagley will compete in his third IRONMAN Texas triathlon 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run in April 2018, and training begins in December, he said. I joke that it helps me with stress. I don t know if it helps me with stress because it burns off all the stress or if I m just too tired to be stressed out between that and kids. But it really does help a lot. I ve been able to do a lot more realizing that when your body is in shape and when you re in shape, overall you live in a little bit of a better place. That s done wonders for ministry, for family, for everything. Posted Tuesday, July 4, :00 pm By Chelsea Katz news2@kilgorenewsherald.com Smiles and hugs are free. How many did you give or get today?

9 9 United Methodist Women PAM BESSER EVENING CIRCLE UMW Pam Besser Evening Circle didn t meet in July. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, August 1st, at 6:00pm in the Fireplace room, during which we will be discussing our upcoming enchilada fundraiser in September. All women are invited and invite a friend to come with you. Kathy Brown Secretary Don t forget Saturday Bread on August 12th. Volunteers are needed, contact Brenda Culpepper for more information. Kathy Brown, Secretary MORNING CIRCLE United Methodist Women The Morning Circle will meet Tuesday, August 1, in the Fireplace Room. Our program will be a round-up luncheon, a memorial for the deceased, and a good lunch. Please bring sandwiches or salads to share. All women are cordially invited. Give us a visit and see if it is a program you would love to participate. We will begin delivering Meals on Wheels on August 29. St. Luke s United Methodist Men PROGRAM SCHEDULE Breakfast and Program, Family Center 8:00am the Following Saturdays: September 23 October 28 November 11 Special Date & Program December 16, 10:00am, Family Center, CHRISTMAS BRUNCH Kind and Good Hearted People Needed LIFE-CARE Health Services needs you, whatever your talent, we have a volunteer assignment for you. Visiting patients weekly or monthly for a few hours, whenever you are available, assignments such as: reading, calling bingo, playing cards, running errands or just being a friend. No matter how you help, it is impossible to overstate how much this support means to the patients, their families and to the hospice team working with them. For more information, call (903) Dear Christian Friends, Friends of the Kilgore College Campus Ministries: We are half way through the summer and are gearing up for a new year at Kilgore College. For the 3rd year the campus ministries of Kilgore College will host a back to school event: The Party On The Plaza on August 29th from 6-8:30 pm. This event will welcome new students and those who are returning to campus. Our purpose for this event is to build community. We want to provide a safe atmosphere for students to gather and be encouraged with the opportunities they have in our community. Finally, we seek to build an atmosphere of community for our campus and greater Kilgore area. We hope this will include a variety organizations, churches, and businesses. Last year we saw over 800 in participation and this year with invitation to faculty and staff families of the college we anticipate over a 1,000 will be present. Would you consider joining us in this effort by hosting a booth or by helping to sponsor our event in some capacity? Your group has the opportunity to have a booth. These booths will be free and consist of a table and two chairs that surround the Park Plaza at Kilgore College. Each booth is encouraged to have a giveaway (such as a dorm refrigerator, flat screen TV, IPad, laptop computer, gift cards, or something a college student might want.) We will provide information slips for students to submit to you, from which you will draw the winner for your giveaway. The winners will be announced to return to your table to claim their prizes at the end of the evening. You can keep the information slips as contacts for follow up. Other ways to sponsor could include the donating of money to host the event or services. Some churches will be providing free food and comedian Jason Earls as entertainment for the evening ( Advertisement will be made through as many local avenues that we can find via Internet, radio, TV, and newspaper. To reserve your booth or sponsor the event contact by Jaymi Blankenship at jblankenship@kilgore.edu or Thank you for your time and we look forward to working with you August 29th! Jaymi Blankenship, Director of Baptist Student Ministry, Kilgore College Britt Davis, Campus Minister for Christian Campus Center, Kilgore College Gene Evans, Director of the Wesley College

10 10 "METHODISTS" by GARRISON KEILLOR We make fun of Methodists for their blandness, their excessive calm, their fear of giving offense, their lack of speed, and also for their secret fondness for macaroni and cheese. But nobody sings like them. If you were to ask an audience in New York City, a relatively Methodist-less place, to sing along on the chorus of "Michael Row the Boat Ashore," they will look daggers at you as if you had asked them to strip to their underwear. But if you do this among Methodists, they'd smile and row that boat ashore and up on the beach! And down the road! Many Methodists are bred from childhood to sing in four-part harmony, a talent that comes from sitting on the lap of someone singing alto or tenor or bass and hearing the harmonic intervals by putting your little head against that person's rib cage. It's natural for Methodists to sing in harmony. They are too modest to be soloists, too worldly to sing in unison. When you're singing in the key of C and you slide into the A7th and D7th chords, all two hundred of you, it's an emotionally fulfilling moment. By joining in harmony, they somehow promise that they will not forsake each other. I do believe this: People, these Methodists, who love to sing in four-part harmony are the sort of people you can call up when you're in deep distress. *If you're dying, they will comfort you. *If you are lonely, they'll talk to you. *And if you are hungry, they'll give you tuna salad. *Methodists believe in prayer, but would practically die if asked to pray out loud. *Methodists like to sing, except when confronted with a new hymn or a hymn with more than four stanzas. *Methodists believe their pastors will visit them in the hospital, even if they don't notify them that they are there. *Methodists usually follow the official liturgy and will feel it is their way of suffering for their sins. *Methodists believe in miracles and even expect miracles, especially during their stewardship visitation programs or when passing the plate. Methodists think that the Bible forbids them from crossing the aisle while passing the peace. *Methodists drink coffee as if it were the Third Sacrament. *Methodists feel guilty for not staying to clean up after their own wedding reception in the Fellowship Hall. *Methodists are willing to pay up to one dollar for a meal at the church. *Methodists still serve Jell-O in the proper liturgical color of the season and think that peas in a tuna casserole adds too much color. *Methodists believe that it is OK to poke fun at themselves and never take themselves too seriously. And finally, You know you are a Methodist when: It's 100 degrees, with 90% humidity, and you still have coffee after the service. You hear something funny during the sermon and smile as loudly as you can. Donuts are a line item in the church budget, just like coffee. When you watch a Star Wars movie and they say, "May the Force be with you," you respond, "and also with you." And lastly, it takes ten minutes to say good-bye! (Editor s Note: Aren t we glad we call ourselves Methodists?)

11 AUGUST CALENDAR 2017 * Nursery provided for this event. ** Nursery can be arranged for this event. Call Niki Chowdhury Tuesday, August 1 10:00am Staff Meeting 2:00-8:00pm Shakespeare group, Family Center 10:30am UMW Roundup Luncheon, Fireplace Room 6:00pm Pam Besser Circle, Fireplace Room 6:00pm Staff/Parish Meeting, Conference Room Wednesday, August 2 11:00am Hilltoppers The Menu: Pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, & pinto beans for $6. Program: David Berryhill will present music & song. Don t miss this sought out entertainer. 6:00-7:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, August 3 6:00pm Mission Team, Conference Rm. 5:30pm Handbell Rehearsal, handbell room 6:30-8:00pm Arise Band Rehearsal, Sanctuary** Friday, August 4 6:00-10:00pm Parents Night Out, gym Saturday, August 5 Sunday, August 6 8:30am Arise Worship, Sanctuary 9:30am Sunday School* 10:30am Traditional Worship, Sanctuary* 4:30pm Youth, gym Monday, August 7 9:00-12:00 VBS Tuesday, August 8 9:00-12:00 VBS Wednesday, August 9 9:00-12:00 VBS 6:00-7:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, August 10 9:00-12:00 VBS 5:30pm Handbell Rehearsal, handbell room 6:30-8:00pm Arise Band Rehearsal, Sanctuary** Friday, August 11 10:00-12:00 VBS meeting at Kilgore City Pool 6:00pm Holy Huddlers, Jucy s Tacos, Judson Rd, Longview Saturday, August 12 (Saturday Bread) 8:30am Cook for Saturday Bread, 1st Presbyterian 10:00am North District Conference, Pittsburg UMC 10:15am Deliver Food for Saturday Bread Sunday, August 13 Blessing of Teachers & School Workers 8:30am Arise Worship, Sanctuary 9:30am Sunday School* 10:30am Traditional Worship, Sanctuary* 4:30pm Youth, gym 11 Monday, August 14 (Music Camp) Tuesday, August 15 (Music Camp) 10:00am Staff meeting, Conference Room Wednesday August 16 (Music Camp) 9:00-9:45 a.m. Exercise, Family Center 6:00-7:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, August 17 (Music Camp) 5:30pm Handbell Rehearsal, handbell room 6:30-8:00pm Arise Band Rehearsal, Sanctuary** Friday, August 18 (Music Camp) Saturday, August 19 6:00-8:00pm Game Night, Gym Sunday, August 20 Blessing of Backpacks 8:30am Arise Worship, Sanctuary 9:30am Sunday School* 10:30am Traditional Worship, Sanctuary* 11:45am Carnival for Wonderful Wednesdays, gym 3:45pm Handbells Rehearsal 4:30pm NO Youth, gym Monday, August 21 KISD & SISD begins 7:00pm Trustee Meeting, Conference Room Tuesday, August 22 Wednesday August 23 6:00-7:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, August 24 5:30pm Handbell Rehearsal, handbell room 6:30-8:00pm Arise Band Rehearsal, Sanct.** Friday August 25 6:00pm Holy Huddlers, Jalapeno Tree, Kilgore Saturday, August 26 8:00am-3:00pm Emmaus Team Meeting, Family Center Sunday, August 27 8:30am Arise Worship, Sanctuary 9:30am Sunday School* 10:30am Traditional Worship, Sanctuary* 11:45am Finance Meeting, Family Center 4:30pm Youth, gym Monday, August 28 Tuesday, August 29 10:00am Staff Meeting, Conference Room Wednesday, August 30 9:00-2:00pm Mother s Day Out begins 6:00-7:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, August 31 5:30pm Handbell Rehearsal, handbell room 6:30-8:00pm Arise Band Rehearsal, Sanctuary**

12 Office: Fax: Web Site: The VISITOR The Visitor Published Monthly by: St. Luke s United Methodist Church 401 E. Main St., Kilgore, TX SUNDAY SERVICES: Arise Service... 8:30 AM Sunday School... 9:30 AM Traditional Service... 10:30 AM Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Kilgore, Texas Permit No. 202 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED UPDATE ON ORGAN FUND Renovation of St Luke s Historic Aeolian-Skinner Pipe Organ PHASE 1 $135,000 $121,500 $101,500 $ 87,515 $ 71,500 $ 51,500 RENOVATIONS will be accomplished in 2 phases Phase 1: $135,000 Currently Available $87,515 OUR GOAL Balance of $47,485 BALANCE MUST BE AVAILABLE BEFORE REPAIRS CAN BEGIN Prayer Shawl Ministry The Prayer Shawl Ministry needs your help! We need people who knit or crochet to join us. If you don t know how, we will teach you! We meet every Wednesday night at 6:00pm in the Family Center. We also would like to start a morning or afternoon group. Please contact us if you would like to help. Jan Hattaway ( ) or Pat Sers ( ) HILLTOPPERS August 2 Family Center-Meal ($6.00) at 11:30am Meal Catered by Richelle Rathbun Menu: Pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, pinto beans, dessert and drinks--all for $6. Program: David Berryhill, well known for his musical talent and sought after entertainer, will be tearing up that piano and singing great selections for entertainment YOU do not want to miss. It s summer, so bring any age friends for a delicious dinner for $6 in a cool Family Center and you will not have to drive after dark! You just can t beat this deal. THANK YOU, PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Dear Shawl Ministry, How beautiful, the green shawl is, that you gave me. It has a light, gentle feel that keeps me warm, but not overly. I love the color and I especially appreciate the thoughts and prayers that went into it. Your ministry touches so many people and we appreciate and are so thankful for you all. Love, Pat Morchat